Press release from GCEDC:
For the seventh year running, Genesee County has been named one of the nation's Top 10 Micropolitans by Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup edition.
A micropolitan area is defined as a city with a population of 50,000 or less that serves as the seat of a region or county. There are currently 576 micropolitan areas in USA and Puerto Rico.
The Batavia Micropolitan and Genesee County were first recognized in 2004 and ranked 7th in the nation. In 2005, the Batavia Micropolitan was named the third fastest growing micropolitan in the nation and the No. 1 location in the Northeast. Batavia made the list again in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2010, the Batavia Micropolitan was tied for ninth in the nation.
"Despite the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the GCEDC was able to participate in 23 projects and again earned honors as a Top Micropolitan." said CEO Steve Hyde. "It's an accomplishment we are proud of and that will continue to bring our region national exposure and recognition.
"The Fastest Growing Micropolitan Award helped us increase our project volume. It is an honor that we share with the entire community, including our local and regional partners and elected officials."
Actually, tied for ninth with
Actually, tied for ninth with 4 other communities.
Site Selection magazine is a press release type trade magazine where various communities/entities can buy space in an attempt peddle themselves to supposed business leaders considering expansion/relocation. Kodak Park is advertising, looking for tenants.
Criteria for making this list is based on "Number of Projects" with no reference to specific projects, their status, viability, cost in tax dollars, expected ROI, or successful completion. Batavia is listed as having 7 "projects". Numbers 32-100 are tied at 2 projects each.
One must wonder if it is simply a listing of communities that are willing to give away the most tax incentives rather than those that are successfully attracting businesses.
Mr. Hyde, show us something of substance rather than this PR blather.
Bob, you're awesome. I
Bob, you're awesome. I logged in here in order to infer that the GCEDC was buying space in a vanity press rag, but who needs inference when you've already proved it?
Here's a crazy idea: Before you get too busy tooting your own horn, how about you show us the jobs, the new business, the prosperity.
Knock off the self-aggrandizement, give the undeserved bonus money back to the taxpayers and get to work. You're other option is to vacate the board and staff positions and give them to people who can get the job done.
I do have something good to say about a GCEDC staffer, by the way. I attended the STAMP meeting in Alabama a couple weeks ago and was very impressed with Mark Masse. I walked into that room ready to dislike just about every GCEDC hack in the room, but Masse impressed the hell out of me. He has an obvious dedication to the project in question and spoke from the heart regarding issues that came up during the meeting.
I vote for a promotion for the guy who looks to be giving his heart and soul to a project he believes in and a retirement for the guy sucking taxpayer money into the black hole of his bank account.
Didn't we just go through
Didn't we just go through this in January?
http://thebatavian.com/howard-owens/gcedc-releases-consultants-salary-s…
Nobody bought it then and we're not buying it now.
Mr. Hyde states:
"The fastest growing Micropolitan award helped us increase our project volume."
Increased project volume = more tax exempt property = more tax abatements/exemptions = more fees charged to project sponsors = more revenue for the GCEDC.
It's time to start including job creation in the economic development equation.
Three informed
Three informed comments....really nothing more to say other than I agree with JoAnne that it's time to include job creation in the eonomic development equation.
Batavia made the list again
Batavia made the list again in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2010, the Batavia Micropolitan was tied for ninth in the nation.....
Who every gave out this award should drive down Main St in Batavia and tell us about all this growth we are experencing...I don't see it.Got to agree with JoAnne and Chris and Bob..For winning all this praise from Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup edition. one would think that our population and tax base should be growing instead of shrinking..Good BS campaigin GCEDC...All they do is cause the private homeowner of this area to pay more in taxes to make up for all these tax breaks they hand out...
It would really be cool if
It would really be cool if y'all could get some microchipian going in the micropolitan, and I think you could. Offer them nothing except an enthusiastic labor force and you get ten points free. They know the worth of a dollar.